MEDIA RELEASE
Middlesex Centre, Ontario, July 21, 2021 – Plans for an innovative development of mixed housing types, commercial space and a new civic square in Komoka took a big step forward today, with Middlesex Centre council approving the sale of 4.16 hectares (10.29 acres) of land behind the Wellness Centre to developers Design for Happiness Inc.
The plan to develop the property began in earnest in 2018. At that time, payment for the land by Design for Happiness was to be provided through the provision of new municipal office space on the site. Since then, new technologies and changing work styles have made keeping the current municipal office in Coldstream more efficient.
As such, the municipality and Design for Happiness reached a new deal which sees the developer instead purchasing the land for $3,601,500. These funds will be moved to the municipality’s reserves for future use. Additionally, the new deal will see one acre of land dedicated to Middlesex Centre for a civic square.
“It took a little longer than expected, but we are excited to see this innovative development moving forward,” said Aina DeViet, mayor of Middlesex Centre. “While the mix of townhomes and apartment buildings planned increases options for families of all sizes and age groups, this will be more than a housing development, with retail and recreational amenities for the entire community.”
During the discussions over removing a new municipal office from the plans, Middlesex Centre and the developer worked out many of the details for the site. Design for Happiness is expected to present site plans for the property to Middlesex Centre council in the coming months.
Plans for the civic square will start with the creation of a small working committee, which in addition to gathering ideas from the public will pursue grants and other funding opportunities.
“We took a different approach to this development and have developed a foundation for future municipal-private collaborations,” added Mayor DeViet. “We are all looking forward to seeing this project get off the ground.”
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Media Contact:
Heather Kepran
Communications Specialist, Municipality of Middlesex Centre
Information on Design for Happiness Project - https://designforhappiness.ca/